Sri Lanka Bucket List: 5 Photo Spots from the Hill Country to the South Coast

Words and photos by Nikita Poly.

My first visit to Sri Lanka occurred in 2018; I felt the country was relatively new to tourism and regarded as an early backpacking destination. I held modest expectations because I had already traveled through India and Southeast Asia, so I assumed I would encounter nothing novel or compelling—yet I was astonished by nearly everything.

Returning in 2025, I found the nation had evolved and grown somewhat more touristy, yet it retained its charm. The remarkable people, views, and landscapes make it hard to describe this place as anything other than a photographer’s paradise.

In this article, I will highlight what I consider the most intriguing locations for photography, covering much of the Hill Country and the southern beaches of Sri Lanka; transport is mainly by train, taxi, or tuktuk. You can rent a car, but I believe part of the experience lies in using local transport.

1. The Train to the Hill Country (Colombo to Kandy)

One of the most unique experiences you can have in Sri Lanka is taking the train to the Hill Country. The train has a lot of wagons with open doors that offer a more comprehensive experience. Instead of watching the beautiful changing views from the window, you can almost taste it, smell the fresh mountain air as the train passes through tea fields, and just enjoy being in the moment.

To ease the long train ride, I would recommend a short stop in Kandy, a large city that has beautiful botanical gardens and multiple viewpoints to enjoy sunsets. Leaving early in the morning from Colombo, you can arrive in Kandy by noon and take a night to relax, especially if you had a long flight. I wouldn't recommend staying in Colombo for too long in the beginning, as I found the city to be more pleasant at the end of the trip.

Notes for Photographers

• Light: Morning is best on the train, when the valleys are clear and the light is soft. In Kandy, go to a viewpoint for sunset.
• What to shoot: Wide shots of the tea fields from the open door, and details like the carriage doors, passengers and station platforms. A 24-70mm covers most of it. Keep a firm grip on your camera and strap, and don't lean out of the door.
• Access and parking: Book reserved seats ahead if you can, the scenic route sells out. Carry your gear on you, not in the luggage rack. The Kandy botanical gardens charge an entrance fee, so check the current price.
  

2. Nuwara Eliya (Hill Country)

As we go higher into the mountains, it begins to be a bit chilly. Yes, I wouldn't expect the weather to be cold in a tropical destination like Sri Lanka, but if you visit the mountain area, better pack some warm clothes, as temperatures can get as low as 10 degrees Celsius in some areas.

Nuwara Eliya is famous for its rolling tea plantations, mist-shrouded peaks, and cool climate. Thanks to its colonial architecture, golf course, and Sri Lanka's final horse racing venue, it's often nicknamed "Little England." With attractions like Horton Plains National Park and historic tea estates like Labookellie, there's easily enough to explore here over two or three nights.

Plan to spend a day exploring Horton Plains National Park, and arrive early to skip the entrance lines. Be aware that early morning fog can block the panorama at the "World's End" viewpoint. The mist often clears toward late morning, but mountain weather can be unpredictable.

The loop hike takes a few hours and treats you to stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and plant species native to Sri Lanka's montane region.

For the second day, I would consider visiting one of the most famous tea factories of the area, called Labookellie. They offer a tour around the factory and in the tea fields.

Notes for Photographers

• Light: Arrive at Horton Plains at opening and be on the trail early. Fog often covers World's End in the morning and tends to clear toward late morning, so plan some buffer time. In the tea fields, soft early light works best.
• What to shoot: Wide landscapes at World's End and the rolling tea rows. A telephoto helps compress the tea hills, and a macro or short lens works for leaves and pickers' hands. At Labookellie, shoot the process of the tea harvest.
• Access and parking: Horton Plains is a national park with a foreign-visitor entrance fee, and you walk the loop hike on foot. Wear warm layers, it gets cold. Ask before photographing the workers at the tea factory.
  

3. Ella (Hill Country)

In my view, Ella is an essential stop; this vibrant place provides more day trips, hikes, viewpoints, and outdoor activities than any other town nearby.

This relaxed mountain village acts as a prime base for viewing the island's dramatic valleys, striking viewpoints, waterfalls, and temples. You can manage everything from here: head to Little Adam's Peak for a good sunset, or take a pleasant day trip to Diyaluma Waterfalls. If culture appeals more, the grand Ella Temple sits atop a hill above the valleys below. You might also visit the Nine Arch Bridge, though I found it diminished by tourist traps and crowds. You can still go if your plans are open and watch the train cross the lovely bridge, yet the experience feels less impressive than it sounds. While you may attempt to capture images of every striking landmark, I discovered that my finest shots emerged from the streets of Ella, where nothing particularly notable seems to occur at first glance.

I would recommend assigning each day to an activity you prefer; the town offers much and is quite modernized relative to other areas.

Notes for Photographers

• Light: Little Adam's Peak works well at sunset, or at sunrise if you start early. Nine Arch Bridge is best when a train crosses in clean daylight, so avoid the harsh midday sun.
• What to shoot: Wide shots of the valley from Little Adam's Peak. At Nine Arch Bridge, the train crossing and the arches from the side, with a 70-200mm to compress it. Diyaluma Falls works as a long-exposure subject with an ND filter.
• Access and parking: Little Adam's Peak is a short, easy walk from town. Nine Arch Bridge is free to visit but crowded, and train times often run late, so check the timetable and be patient. Stay behind the tracks when a train comes. Diyaluma is a day trip by tuk-tuk or car.
  

4. Hiriketiya (South Coast)

This little surf town is where I would recommend you stop for a longer period and just relax. I was quite blown away by this place because it's got everything. The main beach is a beautiful bay surrounded by a jungle, the waves are amazing if you are into surfing, and the views are even better if you are a photographer.

To the west of Hiriketiya, just a short walk over the headland brings you to the much wider, quieter expanse of Dickwella Beach. It provides a great contrast to the enclosed, busy feel of Hiriketiya, featuring wide horizons, local fishing boats, and dramatic sunset colors.

To the east you will find Nilwella Beach, a stunning, lesser-known coastal gem located just a short distance from Hiriketiya. Often referred to as Blue Beach, it features a unique topography where a narrow sandy spit connects the mainland to a tiny, lush offshore island.

I suggest wandering through the town on your own and stepping away from the crowded, heavy attractions of the previous stops. Take the camera with you and just shoot mundane moments, when I walked around the town I stumbled across two kids playing cricket, it was a beautiful moment that I had the privilege to capture.

Notes for Photographers

• Light: The bay is sheltered by the headland and jungle, so early morning and late afternoon give the nicest light. For sunset, walk over to Dickwella Beach and its wide horizon.
• What to shoot: Surfers in the bay with a 70-200mm or longer, and wide frames of the jungle-lined bay. At Dickwella, fishing boats and sunset colors. At Nilwella (Blue Beach), the sand spit leading to the small island is the shot.
• Access and parking: You can reach Hiriketiya on foot from the village, and Dickwella is a short walk over the headland. Nilwella is a short drive or tuk-tuk away. Protect your gear from sand and salt spray, and ask surfers before shooting close up.

5. Mirissa and Weligama (South Coast)

Heading back towards Colombo, there are a few stops I would consider making. The first one is Mirissa.

Mirissa is a modest town with few attractions, yet the main draws include watching sunsets at Coconut Hill, taking a day trip to the not-so-Secret Beach, and strolling along the beautiful Mirissa shore past Parrot Rock and back. While there is little you haven't seen before, spending a night can be enjoyable.

Moving forward, our next stop is Weligama, the largest city on the south coast and the most touristy one. Here you can find modern hotels, restaurants and a lot of surf schools, which will offer you surfing lessons every 5 minutes as you walk down the beach. Nonetheless, it's a great place to stay towards the end of your trip.

My suggestion is to spend a day at Galle Fort, a drive of a couple of hours from Weligama. On the way back, stop at Unawatuna beach for the sunset or visit the local fish market to get a richer cultural experience. You can capture excellent photos there, though the sights and smells may challenge the faint of heart. I was fortunate to observe local fishermen selling their catch, a distinctive auction I had never encountered before.

Notes for Photographers

• Light: Coconut Hill is a sunset spot, so arrive early to find a spot before the crowd. Parrot Rock is best in soft morning or late light. At Galle Fort, the ramparts glow at golden hour, and Unawatuna is a good place to end the day at sunset.
• What to shoot: Palm trees and the beach from Coconut Hill, wide and with a longer lens for the sunset. At Galle Fort, the lighthouse, ramparts and narrow streets. At the fish market, candid details, with permission.
• Access and parking: Coconut Hill and Secret Beach are short walks or tuk-tuk rides from Mirissa. Galle Fort is a couple of hours' drive from Weligama, so start early. Entry to some spots may carry a small fee, check before going. Be respectful at the fish market and ask before photographing people.

If you chase any of these spots, tag @moment so we can see what you made of Sri Lanka. Looking for more places to point your camera? Check out our Lofoten Islands winter road trip and Pacific Northwest sunset spots.